Product Description

About the Author

Philip Carr-Gomm is a writer and psychologist, living in Sussex with his wife Stephanie and their children. He is author of ‘Druidcraft – the Magic of Wicca & Druidry’, ‘The Re-birth of Druidry’ and ‘The Elements of the Druid Tradition’ and editor of ‘The Druid Renaissance’.

From the age of fifteen he studied with his teacher, an old Druid Chief, Ross Nichols. He has a degree in psychology from University College London, and trained in psychotherapy for adults at The Institute of Psychosynthesis, and in play therapy for children with Dr Rachel Pinney. In 1988 he was asked to lead The Order of Bards Ovates and Druids, one of the largest international Druid groups, and he combines this role with a private practice in psychotherapy, writing, and giving workshops worldwide.

Most helpful customer reviews

The mysticism and magick surrounding the Craft is very appealing; the call of our ancestors and reverence of nature and Mother Earth in modern Druidism is strong within our hearts. Since their resurgence began, Wicca and Druidism have been considered two separate practices. "Druidcraft" offers a rational link that may bridge these two religions and give credence to a mystical and magickal path that also offers a foundation created from the ancient wisdom of these priests and priestesses of nature. Philip demonstrates this through his own unique philosophy, backed by historical facts about the history of these two revived paths of Neo-Pagan spirituality. Highly recommended to any Druid or Wiccan library.

An interesting basic book, but I wish there was more to it. I really enjoyed it, but it didn't have a lot of information to follow up on. Would recommend for an interesting read and for anyone checking into the possibilities of Druidcraft.

If you've read "In the Grove of the Druids" by Philip Carr-Gomm and Ronald Hutton, then you probably know of the established links between Ross Nichols and Gerald Gardner, the fathers of modern Druidry and Witchcraft respectively. In that book, two very respected authors reveal to the world that the modern incarnation of Wicca is, in fact, a combination of the two separate religious and magical styles: Druidry and Witchcraft. So, if Druidry and Witchcraft have already been combined to form modern Wicca, why combine the systems again? If you wish to combine the systems of Druidry and Witchcraft without reading through tome after tome of Celtic Wiccan fluff, read about the two separate systems and combine them yourself. This book is just a watered-down time-saver.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)

Amazon.com:
21 reviews

28 of 31 people found the following review helpful

A Bridge Between Two WorldsNov. 24 2002

By
"stormseer333"
- Published on Amazon.com

Format: Paperback

The mysticism and magick surrounding the Craft is very appealing; the call of our ancestors and reverence of nature and Mother Earth in modern Druidism is strong within our hearts. Since their resurgence began, Wicca and Druidism have been considered two separate practices. "Druidcraft" offers a rational link that may bridge these two religions and give credence to a mystical and magickal path that also offers a foundation created from the ancient wisdom of these priests and priestesses of nature. Philip demonstrates this through his own unique philosophy, backed by historical facts about the history of these two revived paths of Neo-Pagan spirituality. Highly recommended to any Druid or Wiccan library.

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful

Druidry, Witchcraft, and the OvateMay 22 2005

By
Thomas Didymos
- Published on Amazon.com

Format: Paperback

There are many within Druidry in general and the OBOD in particular who came from Wicca. Many of these folks have said that Druidry seemed to be a natural progression in their education and direction as pertains to the magic and religion of the Celtic peoples. But why?

The Ovates were the witches, if you will, of the Celtic peoples. The word Ovate comes from the Irish word Fáith which means Seer or one who has the Second Sight i.e. the ability to communicate with the dead and even the power of prophesy. These folks were also known as Piseog (witch) who practiced Piseogacht or witchcraft. The Piseog/Fáith was a local healer, wise or cunning person, and philosopher.

They were a blessing to those who were suffering and a terror to those who were their enemy. Through dispensing herbs to relieve common symptoms they could be very powerful healers. They were also able to speak with those who have passed beyond, relieving the stress of those left behind both for their hopes of better things and their own hopes for a continuation of life. The Piseog/Fáith therefore studied most especially the process of death and dying, and generally things unseen. Considering the above I can see why Wiccans seek to understand the practice of Witchcraft of the ancient Celtic peoples and in turn their religion which we call Druidry.

We can never know what ancient Druidry was really like because we do not know how it related within its ancient social contexts. We can know some particulars but never the full picture and so anyone thinking otherwise is just deluding themselves. However...

Druidry is seeing a come back, albeit a modern one, because people like Ross Nichols. These folks dared to be druids when it wasn't popular or convenient. People aught to thank them instead of vilify them. My question is what have you done that is as good or better? (People always hate mirrors turned on them) Druidry today, has become an acceptible spiritual path in the eyes of many Britians including its aristocracy because of the uprightness of heart and rectitude of conduct of the folks leading it.

I do not think Philip intended to create a seperate path but to show that within Druidry the path of Witchcraft/Seership is already present. Wiccans coming into Druidry do not have to leave what they learned and loved behind but can practice that which speaks to them and continue along a Druidic path.

Considering all the above I must give this book 5 stars.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

Audio book is FANTASTIC!!!June 29 2013

By
Amazon Customer
- Published on Amazon.com

Verified Purchase

I purchased the audio book and the kindle version. I have to tell you that of all the audio books I have purchased, this one is my absolute favorite. It is so well done!!! The voices are rich and pure! The music that plays between chapters is so beautiful and perfect! I just love it. I bought the kindle version as well for those times when I can't listen to it and also for quick reference. This book has come into my life just when I truely needed it. Funny how synchronicity occurs like that. :-)

So for any of you that were wondering about the quality of the audio book...It is Wonderful! Don't hesitate to purchase the spoken version along with your written version. The audio book is a complete unabridged version of the paperback. So Wonderful to listen to it. The stories in the book take on more meaning for me when listening to them spoken with the rich, clear voices of the author and his lady narrators. Thank you so much for this audio book. It is such a pleasure and a joy to hear!!!

Rich and ValuableSept. 6 2013

By
Amazon Customer
- Published on Amazon.com

This book is one that I will listen to again and again, there is so much wealth here to absorb. After listening to it in the evenings I find it entering my dreams and then resonating throughout the next day, or several days. I listened to it quite slowly this first time so I would have time to think about it. Next, I think I will listen more quickly and then hone in on the areas I wish to think more about.

I loved the format of this audiobook, with the teacher and student discussion and my favorite part: the stories. I often found myself wondering why a particular story had been included and then after awhile a huge rush of insight would wash over me.

I found the audio version particularly evocative because I am a quick reader and sometimes the speed of my reading causes me to skim over things too quickly and not let them really take root inside my consciousness. This recording was beautifully done with lovely calming and mysterious music, the narrator's voice is quite beautiful and almost hypnotic and his co-narrators have beautiful lyrical voices as well.

To say I love this audiobook would be an understatement - it the best book I have listened to so far! I can't wait to listen to it again!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

Good IntroductionSept. 10 2013

By
Nathan
- Published on Amazon.com

Format: Paperback
Verified Purchase

Very nice introduction to DruidCraft. Short but sweet. I hope Phillip writes more on this subject as there is so much to be explored.